Keeping silent, Kelsey stood still as an elven maid tied up the lace back of her deep blue evening gown, that Thranduil had gifted her for Mereth Nuin Giliath. Woven with glistening star ornaments and a sparkling train, Kelsey looked like the royalty she was meant to be. She couldn't help admire the beauty of the gown and how it accentuate her curves.

She frowned at her thoughts, as the dwarves were still down in the dungeons while she was up here in her own clean chambers, about to attend a glorious feast. Well being forced anyway she reminded herself as the elf finish her hair braid with little, white flowers. Forcing a smile, Kelsey nodded at the elf to leave her; annoyingly curtsying and leaving Kelsey to her thoughts.

Dropping her clenched fists, she made her way to her soft bed in the corner of her chambers and sat down, wiping a stray tear from her eyes. She was so angry at herself for allowing the Company to get into this situation. If she had kept a clear mind during the spiders fight, they would have avoided the Mirkwood elves. Don't be so hard on yourself, my sweet child. There is a reason for everything, her mother's voice whispering in her mind.

"Easy for you to say, Mother. I'm not the one who organise the arrangement between myself and the Mirkwood Prince," taunted Kelsey, who scoffed at receiving no reply back.

*Flashback*

"Now tell me, how did the daughter of Illmare and Tilion finds herself in the company of dwarves?" questioned Thranduil, an intrigued look upon his face. He had recognised her instantly as she was almost the mirror image of the Spirit Guardian.

"You know my parents?" she asked, narrowing her blue eyes at the Elven King.

"Of course! Your parents were frequent visitors before they had you. In fact I fought alongside them in many battles. I do hope you have inherited their talents as they often turned the battles to our benefits," explained Thranduil, as he brushed his fingertips against Kelsey's cheek. She flinched at his touch and pulled away. The Elven King simply smirked before continuing.

"Illmare was a close friend of my late wife and we often spoke of an arrangement between our son and her daughter. And I would very much like to keep that arrangement."

"Excuse me? What arrangement?" screeched Kelsey, her thoughts swimming. Her parents never mentioned anything that would suggest any sort of arrangement. Probably too focused on the Darkness.

"A marriage arrangement."

*End of Flashback*

A knock on the door made Kelsey jump, interrupting her thoughts. The familiar blonde hair of the Mirkwood Prince came into view, a smile upon his face as he saw Kelsey.

"Beautiful as ever, my Lady," he chuckled, closing the door behind him.

"Oh shove off, Legolas," scorned Kelsey, a slight playfulness in her voice. Over the course of the week that she was kept imprisoned, Thranduil was persistent to have Legolas keep her company, hoping for a love connection to brew. Instead an almost sibling relationship had formed between the two and they took any chance they could take to rile each other up.

"I'm being truthful this time, Kelsey. Whoever holds your heart is one lucky man; or should I say dwarf," said Legolas, which brought a light blush over Kelsey's cheeks.

"Yeah well, I can't tell him how I feel if we don't leave this place," she sighed, getting off the bed and headed towards him. "Come on, then let's get this feast over and done with."

"Kelsey," said Legolas, placing his hands on her shoulders and looking straight into her eyes. Kelsey held her breath as he took her into his arms, hugging her tight. "I promise to you that I will do whatever I can to help you and your friends escape."

"Thank you, Legolas," she whispered, enjoying the comforting hug before he pulled away.

"Come, my father is expecting us."

…

As the feast ended and the dancing began, Kelsey hung back behind the crowds, wanting to draw as much attention away from herself as possible. Which was impossible as her dress sparkled at any chance it got. Her corset dug into her ribs and her train was threatening to trip her over with every step she took. She was accustomed to being on the road than being doll up and displayed as treasure.

Feeling the lingering eyes of many male elves, Kelsey grabbed the attention of Legolas who was having a hushed conversation with the Captain of the Guards, Tauriel. Her interest peaked at his body language towards the red-head; the closeness of bodies and the smile on his face. So this is the elf he spoke so fondly about, thought Kelsey.

Glancing over at Thranduil, she realised that he was not overly happy with his son and the captain. A scowl was upon his brow as he stared intensely at the couple. Kelsey quickly intervened by waltzing over to Legolas.

"My Lord Legolas, shall you do me the honour of having one dance with me," stated Kelsey, with a quick head nod towards the King. Legolas simply understood and said his goodbyes to Tauriel. Kelsey felt so bad for she understood Tauriel's pain of seeing someone she loved in the arms of another. To reassure her, Kelsey gave her a wink and mouthed 'He's all yours'. Tauriel smiled before walking out of the ballroom.

"I am sorry that your father does not see the love you have for the Captain and forcing you into an arrangement that neither of us want," apologised Kelsey as they swayed to the beat of the elven music. "Falling in love with someone you had no intention on falling for, is the most beautiful kind of love. Just a pure, raw connection that created on its own and no one should stop you for falling in love with that person."

'For someone who has seen very little of the world, you have some wisdom that most do not" said Legolas, his hand gently caressing her cheek. Most beings would have seen it as a touch of affection and love but to them both, it was an understanding.

And for the rest of the night, they spent dancing away until Kelsey's feet were too sore to continue. Legolas pardoned them both to return to their chambers before he could tell her his plan to help her escape the clutches of his father.

Author's Note: Yes I have returned after well over a year of Writer's Block. I apologise deeply to those who have been wanting an update for so long. I am determined to get this story finished as I have a few others I want to work on. But now I know where I am going with the story and should be easy to write as we get closer to the end.